Several years ago, the trustees began the process of separating the facilities management and collegiate supervision aspects of operations. The chapter was incorporated separately from the board and the one employee, the cook, was assigned to the chapter corporation.  This two-boards organization is not uncommon in fraternities that own property and both corporations are 501(c)(7)s under TKE HQ. Both are on good standing with the state and with the IRS.

On Sunday, the corporations took giant steps toward completing that separation.

Separate Portfolios

The property corporation, “TKE of Georgia, Inc.” has existed for decades as the only corporation of record for TKE at Georgia Tech. This corporation is governed by the trustees–the BOT that everyone knows. Going forward, the trustees will concern themselves with all things about facilities, including the ongoing construction. This will greatly shorten and focus BOT meetings.

The chapter corporation, “Tau Kappa Epsilon Beta-Pi Chapter, Inc.” is governed by the advisers–referred to as the BOA. The advisers will concern themselves with everything about membership from recruiting through alumni relations. Alumni communications and event planning are now the responsibility of the chapter corporation and it will assume control of the bank account that receives alumni annual fund donations. It will also assume responsibility for oversight of all collegiate chapter operations including finances and member development. The resident adviser will report to the BOA. Member development will be the prime area of focus in the coming year for the BOA as this area of operations has not seen the same level of improvements as facilities and management and kitchen operations have recently.

TKE HQ has been notified to transfer its charter from the property corporation to the chapter corporation, completing that separation from HQ’s point of view.

Both boards will contribute to the management of the upcoming capital campaign.

Membership

The boards will cooperate formally as lessor and lessee. There will be a joint meeting each spring but there will be no overlapping membership.

At the meeting on Sunday, three BOT members resigned from that board in anticipation of moving to the BOA.  Michael Smith, Richard Sapp and Karl Paul will join David Adcock as members of the governing board of the chapter corporation. David is currently talking with other alumni about rounding out the membership of that board.

John Reagan, Gary Minor, Scott Smelter and Darrell Sumner will remain with the property corporation–the BOT. John will serve as chairman and Gary as vice-chairman through the end of 2012.

Expect more news regarding membership and officers of both boards soon.

TKE Beta-Pi 2012 02 19

Construction continues apace at TKE Beta-Pi. The two upper floors of the old dormitory have been removed. The remaining first floor will be reconfigured as 2- and 3-man rooms and 3 additional floors containing 2-man rooms and study areas will rise soon.

Expect to see a large crane on site in the next few weeks, a younger sibling of the “African Queen” that did the work in 1994 perhaps, to place floor slabs as the new dormitory takes shape. By the end of April, the shape and size of the new building will be apparent. It will be stunning. The drawings do not fully convey how large the new building will be relative to its neighbors.

The undergraduate chapter is holding together well so far. The meal plan continues uninterruped and regular work parties keep the place in a semblance of good order although, as anyone who lived on site during the building of the social quarters in the 90s will tell you, one never really gets ahead of the dirt and dust at a construction site. They collegiate are using the remaining building as a social space despite the difficulties. This was made possible in part by the build out a temporary men’s head on the first floor.

By T-day in the spring, there will be a lot for alumni to see at the House!

The event is simple. Volunteers have their heads shaved to show support for kids who usually lose their hair due to cancer treatments, and each “shavee” receives donations to support their dedication. This year, Tau Kappa Epsilon is looking to be the top team at our event and raise over $18,000

Again, thank you for supporting our entire fraternity in this philanthropic event!

Also, note that this can be used as a tax write-off for individuals and entire companies!

And a Happy New Year to all!

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.

Cody Parham, Beta-Pi #1241

Frater Cody Parham (BSCE 2007), Beta-Pi #1241, recently passed the Principles of Practice and Engineering exam and has earned the Professional Engineer license in the state of Florida.

He is in his fourth year with Kimley-Horn and Associates doing aviation-civil design and construction management.

While he was an undergrad, Cody co-oped with Willmer Engineering where he did testing on materials and laboratory soils as well as spent time on construction projects as a technician performing batch-mixed concrete tests, standard penetration tests, fill material compaction tests, and rebar inspections.

Cody also interned with the Georgia Department of Transportation in the Traffic Control Section of District 4 where he performed traffic speed studies, analyzed existing intersection signage conditions and made recommendations for future signage needs.

Besides his involvement with TKE as an undergraduate, Cody was a Greek Alcohol Peer Educator and a member of the ASCE.

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.

Eric Hunter at Larrison Rock, Oregon (Photo by Eric Hunter)

When most people think of business, they think “for profit”. But that term means only that the business takes its profits in money. Non-profit or not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) face the same general organizational challenges as their for-profit cousins only they take their profits differently–as diseases cured, adults taught to read, or children immunized, for example.  As for profit businesses are accountable to stockholders who could invest in other companies, NPOs are accountable to grantors who have other organizations clamoring for their money.

Since 2005, Frater Eric Hunter has been working in Portland, Oregon for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), America’s largest environmental non-profit, to ensure that they are making good use of the resources entrusted to them. As a grants specialist, Eric works with spreadsheets to track the organization’s expenses on publicly funded conservation and restoration projects while mastering the arcane, cryptic and confusing rules and regulations that go along with the funds.

• removal of invasive algae and restoration of a bay on Oahu
• working with native Hawaiians to preserve their way of life as it relates to the sea and land
• restoring the Hawaiian Islands’ watersheds and protecting them from invasive species
• the return of native salmon to an estuary in Alaska
• the restoration and return to proper mangement of a large scale forest in southern Oregon

Eric is also managing the single largest ARRA-funded grant awarded to TNC in the amount of $6.6 million for its work with the City of Ashland and Lomakatsi Restoration Project.

Eric remarks, “While it might not sound like the most exciting job out there, when I get out in the field and see the projects that I support, it makes it all worthwhile. Especially when I have to visit Hawaii in the middle of the Oregon winter.”

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.

Since the early 1960s, being a large fraternity and a residential experience have been essential and non-negotiable elements of the Teke experience at Georgia Tech. They are part of what sets us apart from other fraternities at Tech. These elements have been confirmed several times over the decades, most recently in the decision of the trustees to embark on the major dormitory revision. These fellows are certainly going to see a lot of changes in the next few years!

Let’s wish these guys the best as they initiate their journeys as Tekes – the choice to belong, the challenge to become.

TKE Beta-Pi December 2011 Initiates

"TKE" Bible

A Bible found its way into a brother’s hands while he lived at the TKE House. Though he did not know its significance, he has kept it safe ever since.

Can you explain how it came to be at 159 5th Street?

It’s the size of a modern paperback book. The cover is white. A small metal TKE crest has been affixed to the middle of the front cover. Some of the pages are flecked with red candle wax.  The first page implies that it was produced to give to newly married couples but, of course, this particular copy was not.

It is a copy of the original King James Version of 1611.  An examination of several verses shows that it is not the New American Standard Version.

Since the days of house mother Lomie Jetton, the chapter has used a large, beautifully bound and illustrated bible.

Could this copy be from an earlier day–the chapter’s original, perhaps?

If you recognize this object, please respond via the submit news page.

The golf tournament is looking good! Over forty signed up and we have several foursomes already.

The Friday night Homecoming Reception will again take place in an exceptional venue–the Midtown Renaissance Hotel.

The Homecoming Lunch BBQ at the TKE House has been rescheduled for 500-730pm to accommodate the late start time. Meet up at the House before walking down to Grant Field!

There will be four food stations. You can buy a ticket to one for $5 or to all four for $15. Come get a sample of what the chef has to offer!

Then have a look at the Phase I plans. BOT members will be there to answer questions. And take a good look at the old “apartment” house and maybe some pictures because we’re currently on track to make this the last Homecoming that building will ever see.

Registration for the Friday Night event and for meals at the House on Saturday is easy.  If you just want to register quickly without setting up an account with Laurus, just go to https://www.mygreekgift.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=583. It’s no more difficult than ordering a copy of “Clean Old-Fashioned Hate” (about the GT-U(sic)GA football rivalry) from Amazon.

I hope to see you all there Friday and Saturday.

YITB,
Mike

 Homecoming plans have been announced. The registration link will be active sometime Thursday 6 October 2011.

Phase 1 Elevation from Techwood - Note the Scale of the New Building

The Board of Trustees met last Sunday, October 2nd, and reviewed plans for the upcoming renovation with the undergraduates. The contractor has been selected and packages are out to four banks now. If acceptable terms are reached, we’re set for demolition beginning in December.

Phase 1 of the project is being debt financed and will include razing and rebuilding the dormitory. The new rooms will be larger and have higher ceilings and built in lofts. The electrical system will be brought into the current century as will the windows and insulation. Four men will share a bath and each bath is configured so that sink, shower and toilet can be used separately. We anticipate significant savings in utilities in the new building.

The social quarters and kitchen will remain operable during construction. Nevertheless, it’s going to a challenge for the organization for the first half of 2012 as the chapter must hold itself together through this disruption.  It’s been done in the past though and, like the chapters of 1993-94 and 1995-96, we will do what we have to and emerge from the experience stronger.

TKE Beta-Pi 2011 Fall Candidate Class

The undergrads report that 33 young men have pledged to TKE Beta-Pi as of last night.  When they are initiated, chapter membership will exceed 100. That is one fierce sea of khaki.

Hugh in the Schiphol Management Group Lobby

As the construction industry was collapsing in Florida, Hugh Malkin read the following in Fareed Zakaria’s book, “The Post American World”:

“Look around. The tallest building in the world is now in Dubai. The world’s richest man is Mexican, and its largest publicly traded corporation is Chinese. The world’s biggest plane is built in Russia and Ukraine, its leading refinery is in India, and its largest factories are all in China. By many measures, Hong Kong now rivals London and New York as the leading financial center, and the United Arab Emirates is home to the most richly endowed investment fund. Once quintessentially American icons have been appropriated by foreigners. The world’s largest Ferris wheel is in Singapore. Its number one casino is not in Las Vegas but in Macao, which has also overtaken Vegas in annual gambling revenues. The biggest movie industry, in terms of both movies made and tickets sold, is Bollywood, not Hollywood. Even shopping, America’s greatest sporting activity, has gone global. Of the top ten malls in the world, only one is in the United States; the world’s biggest is in Dongguan, China. Such lists are arbitrary, but it is striking that twenty years ago, America was at the top in many, if not most, of these categories. “ 

When Hugh decided to return to school for an MBA, he looked abroad. He wrote the following describing his reasons and his experience.

“I felt that I lacked international experience. However, when I researched American MBA schools and compared them to foreign MBA schools, I saw that American classes averaged 50% internationality while foreign schools averaged close to 90%. A 2011 New York Times article explained that US schools intentionally maintain 50% American students so they can strongly market an “exposure to Americans” as a benefit to potential international students. I am American so I decided to get what the international students were getting from coming to America. I chose to go overseas to the small but highly ranked Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University in the Netherlands.

“Our class of 112 had 40 different nationalities and just as many ideas about how businesses should be run. This gave me a completely different perspective on the American created MBA. Even simple ideas that I normally took for granted, took on whole new meanings when foreign voices spoke up. These voices, questions they asked, and the ideas they shared would not have been heard if any one culture dominated the class. Our professors would regularly join us as we discussed late into the night around a warm fire and a delicious assortment of alcohols and foods. Our school had handpicked experts in their fields from top universities to give us the most accurate and current view of the world.

“The Dutch company, Philips Electronics, gave me a chance to write the future strategy for their outdoor lighting segment. After presenting to a CEO of Philips Lighting, they offered me a position to implement my strategy in the US. I took the job and moved back to Atlanta. The contacts and recognition I have received in the US and internationally due to my successful daily interaction with three different countries is priceless.”

Hugh currently lives in Atlanta and works for Philips Lumec.

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.

Frater Joe Evans, Chairman and CEO of State Bank

Frater Joe Evans has been in banking for over 30 years and now Bank Director Magazine has named his State Bank Financial Corp. the top performing bank in the United States. State Bank is the fourth largest bank headquartered in Georgia, with assets of more than $2.6 billion as of June 30, 2010 and offices located in Middle Georgia and Metro Atlanta.

After an analysis focused on profitability, capital and asset quality, the magazine listed State Bank first among the 150 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts in the U.S., based on financial performance in 2010.  Bank Director calls State Bank a “phoenix,” noting that it formed in the purchase of an institution seized by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. , and has continued to grow from there.

Evans’s banking career has earned him the reputation as one of the nation’s most successful bank executives. Under Evans’s stewardship, State Bank and its investors raised $300 million to acquire assets and deposits of Security Bank Corp. of Macon, Ga., when regulators closed Security on July 24, 2009. American Banker newspaper called the State Bank acquisition “perhaps a model for bank investors around the country.”

Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Georgia Tech in 1971, graduating first in his class. At Georgia Tech, Evans is the former chairman of the board of trustees of the Alumni Association, and on the advisory board of the College of Management, where he has been inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni. He also serves on the board of trustees of the Georgia Tech Foundation and on the board of directors of the Alexander-Tharpe Fund. Evans is a director of Southern Trust Insurance Company and a member of the Investment Committee of the Methodist Children’s Home in Macon.

In May 2011, State Bank reported an $8.2 million profit for the first quarter. State Bank came in well ahead of the other Georgia banks on the list. SunTrust Banks Inc. (NYSE: STI) ranked 125. Moultrie, Ga.-based Ameris Bancorp (NASDAQ: ABCB) and Columbus, Ga.-based Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE: SNV) placed 133 and 139, respectively.

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.

A Convergence at Jazzfest 2011

Alumni from the 80s gathered recently in New Orleans for Jazzfest 2011 and, as Chris Webster put it, “pretty much partied like it was 1999.”

Pictured here at the convergence are fraters (seated) George Stenger and Chris Webster and (standing) Jerry Holcombe, Galen Bales, Steve Levinson and Ralph Gomez.  George came from Birmingham, Chris from Golden,  Jerry from Portland, Galen from Tegernsee Germany (!), Steve from San Diego and Ralph from Boston.

They saw Bruce Hornsby Friday night, The Radiators Sunday, and all kinds of folks at the Festival from Robert Plant, who arrived via UAL not on a private jet (and they have the photograph to prove it), Jeff Beck, John Legend to Tom Jones.

That it was Steve’s 50th birthday only added to the reasons to have a good time.    ”"I’m not 50, I’m 18 with 32 years of experience!”  Steve noted.

“It was the jazzfest Trifecta, ” Jerry wrote, “music, food, drinks, lots of laughs, and the cookie incident…. oh yeah, that’s five tings mon.”

Chris remarked that the food in New Orleans “wasn’t bad either.”

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.

Rainier - The Scale is Immense

“I wanted a clear blue sky and to be able to stand on the top and see for miles in all directions but it really didn’t matter.  It wasn’t to be and in hindsight that isn’t why we made the attempt.”

In July 2011, fraters Roger Deane and Russell Bergevine reached the top of Mount Rainier, the most difficult mountain to climb in North America outside of Alaska.   This is Roger’s story.

Base Camp

On Monday the 11th Russ Bergevine, Michael King and I showed up at the base camp to go through orientation and training.  (Russ had climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2010.  This was his second attempt at Rainier.) The airline had lost my bag with all my climbing gear in it so I was freaking out about what to do. Fortunately, there was a shop on site where I could rent everything I needed. After meeting our guides, we talked about gear and what to expect.  Five of the nine climbers in our group had made the attempt before. Most turned back because of weather and other reasons but at least they had some idea of what was going to happen.  I was clueless and it showed.

The plan was: Tuesday spend most of the day training.  Wednesday “hike” from Paradise Lodge at 5,400 feet to Camp Muir at 10,500 feet.  Thursday was summit day. We would start out around midnight and “climb” to the summit, spend a few minutes there and then turn around and go all the way back down to Paradise Lodge.

Paradise Lodge

Park Entrance (Bergevine)

I had hoped that my bag would show up during the night before but it didn’t so on Tuesday I went to the rental shop to get my gear for the day.  At 8:15AM we all assembled to ride the bus up to Paradise Lodge for training. After the 45-minute drive, we threw our packs on and started our hike up to the training grounds.  During the climb our guide Jake demonstrated how to hike up the mountain, emphasizing that small efficient steps were much better than large ones.  The difference was amazing.  After a taking a few long unbalanced steps I was tired and hot but using the small efficient method I was fine.  At the training grounds we went over many things including different types of climbing techniques, breathing at high altitudes and most importantly how to arrest a fall.  We practiced stopping ourselves and stopping someone else on the rope team.  We also went over our equipment, how to use the ice axe, crampons and other gear.  The day was actually very informative and a lot of fun.

After returning to base camp, we all went out and ate a big dinner in anticipation of the next couple of days.  I finally tracked down my bag and at about 7:30PM that evening it showed up at our motel.  I spent most of the evening going through my gear and packing my pack.

Ascent to Camp Muir

Russ and Roger at Camp Muir

Wednesday the 13^th at 8:15AM we assembled again for the ride up to Paradise.  I reviewed my pack with the guides and then we took off.  At Paradise, we all gathered our gear, threw on our packs and started hiking.  I knew immediately that something was wrong, my pack was way too heavy.  As usual, I had over planned for the event and put too much “stuff” in my pack.   The hike up to Camp Muir was a grueling 6 hour march over the Muir snowfield.  The visibility was horrible, we couldn’t see more than 50 feet so there wasn’t even anything to look at except for the back of the person in front of me.  We stopped for breaks about every hour.  We had 15 minutes to drink some water, eat a snack and add/remove clothing as appropriate.   About 4 hours into the hike I started to have some cramping in my legs, probably due to the weight of the pack and not drinking enough water.  At the last break my guide told me to eat a mustard packet (gross I know) for the cramps so I did and I drank a bunch of water.  I fought through the pain and made it up to Muir a few minutes behind the rest of the team.

The rest of the evening at Muir as spent trying to get as much fluid and food in me as possible.  My legs were still cramping so it was hard to get my sleeping bag in order and my pack ready for the next day.  After we were all settled in our guides (including two of America’s top climbers Peter Whittaker and Ed Viesturs, who were leading another group up) gave us a talk about what was going to happen tomorrow.

Since the forecast for the mountain was cold, we were going to start a little later than normal – probably around 12:30AM. We were going to traverse across the Cowlitz Glacier then go up and over Cathedral Gap.  Once we were on Ingraham Flats we would take our first break, about an hour into the climb.  After the break we would cross Ingraham Glacier and move onto Disappointment Cleaver.  We would climb the Cleaver up to our next break– about an hour and a half.  After the break we would climb another hour and take a short break before pushing to the summit.   From that point on we would be roped together in 4-man teams (1 guide and 3 climbers) with helmets, crampons and ice axe.

After the briefing around 6:30PM we all settled in to get as much rest as possible.  I went outside the cabin and was shocked to see the weather had cleared and we could see for miles.  The cloud level was a few hundred feet below our location so we couldn’t see the base of the mountain but everything else was amazing.  Russ and I took some great shots and enjoyed the view.  We then went inside and got into our sleeping bags for some rest.

About 11:30PM I woke up and thought it would be a good idea to take care of some business that I didn’t want to deal with up on the mountain so I got up and went to the head.  When I went outside the cabin I was blown away by the sights and sounds.  The night was clear and cold, the moon was almost full and there wasn’t a soul awake.  It was almost completely silent, just the sound of the wind.  I stayed outside for about half an hour just enjoying the view.  I spent most of the time stretching my legs, the cramps had stopped earlier in the evening but I didn’t want to take any chances.

About 12:30AM the guides came in and got us up.  At night, the snow and ice is cold and hard. During the day it warms up and becomes less stable. By leaving at 1:00AM, we would reach the summit about 6:00AM and be back down off the dangerous parts by noon. On the other hand, if we left first thing in the morning then we would be on top during the warmest part of the day.

We spent the next hour getting our gear on and eating a quick meal. At about 1:30AM we set off.

100AM: To the Summit!

I was on a rope team with Tim–our guide, Russ Bergevine and Michael King (a friend).  We were the last of the three teams in our group.   We all felt really good as we set off on the first leg. My pack was light and my legs were in good shape.  We crossed the Cowlitz Glacier and went up over Cathedral Gap to our first break on Ingraham Flats.  At the break, we were tired but no one was thinking of turning back.  The guides were quick to point out that making it up was optional, making it down was mandatory “so make sure that you have enough in the tank to make it down”.  We all drank as much as we could and ate a couple of snacks.  It was cold and things were starting to freeze up.  My water had little bits of ice and my Twix bar was hard as a rock but I managed to get it down.  After the break we started on what was probably the hardest leg of the trip.  We crossed the Ingraham Glacier and then started on Disappointment Cleaver.

The Cleaver consists of climbing around a rocky outcropping (over top of the Ingraham Glacier and all its crevasses) and then moving up and over the outcropping and onto a very steep icy/snowy incline.  Since it was clear I could see these tiny lights way up ahead and realized that that was where I was going and couldn’t believe how far it was.  I decided at this point to not try and look ahead and just focus on the next step.  After about an hour and a half of climbing we made it to our next break.  We drank as much as we could and tried to shove some food down.  At this point I think we put on another layer as we were getting higher and the temperature was getting colder.  Then it was upward and onward.

At about 4:30AM, the sun started to come up.  It was incredible.

Ascent Sunrise (Russ Bergevine)

The clouds moved in and out so some of the time we were in the clear and sometimes in the clouds.  The last push to the top was just climbing up and up on a very steep snow and ice slope.  There were switchbacks after switchbacks, on and on.  We took a short break and threw on our heavy down parkas and thick mittens over our gloves.  Eventually as we neared the top we were engulfed in clouds but we climbed on until we reached the summit.

The Summit

Summit: Clouds and Twix

July 14^th, 2011 at about 6:15AM we took our final steps up to the summit of Mt. Rainier.  Finally after about 5 hours of climbing we had reached the top–14,410 feet.  Unfortunately the scene was not as I had hoped. It was 15F, the wind was blowing about 15 to 20 miles per hour and driving sleet.  The visibility was about 30 feet. Our group was all huddled together in a pack, 9 climbers and 3 guides.  Everyone was sitting on their packs drinking some water and eating a snack and taking a few pictures.  I wanted a clear blue sky and to be able to stand on the top and see for miles in all directions but it really didn’t matter.  It wasn’t to be and in hindsight that isn’t why we made the attempt.

The weather was so bad that our guides decided we would only stay a few minutes.  I packed in as much water and food as I could, took a few pictures and tried to take in the moment.  We took a group picture and then began to get ready for the descent.  The guides were all over us about keeping sharp and paying attention.  Going down was not any easier than going up, in fact in some respects it was harder.  Soon after the briefing we started our descent.   We were going to take a couple of breaks on the way down, one before the Cleaver and one on Ingram Flats.

Descent to Camp Muir

Painful Descent

As we descended I began to notice a pain in my big toes and feared that my boots were a little small.  If your climbing boots are too small then as you descend your toes will bang against the front of the boot causing a real problem with the toe nails.  This is what happened to me.  By the time we reached the Cleaver I was in agony.  Our rope guide Tim was doing some trail maintenance so we slowed our pace down a little which helped a little.  During our break on the Flats, I took off my boot to see what the damage was and it was really bad.   I managed to suck it up and get down to Muir where I spent some time trying to get my boots as tight as possible to keep my feet from hitting the front of the boots.

Other than the problem with my feet, the descent was actually pretty amazing.  We really had to focus on each step to make sure that we didn’t trip and tumble down the side of the mountain.  On several occasions we crossed paths with people going up so we would step out of the trail and let them pass.  During these moments we were able to catch our breath and actually look around and take some pictures.  It was during these pauses that I was finally able to enjoy the mountain and the views.

Descent from Ranier - Little Tahoma in View (Russ Bergevine)

We arrived at Camp Muir about 11:30AM and were scheduled to leave at 12:30PM.  The rest of the descent was to take about 2 hours if we really went hard.  I was dreading it because my toes hurt so bad but there was no choice, we had to go. Fortunately, since we removed our crampons and were hiking on snow most of the way I was able to descend by driving my heels into the snow first.  This basically took all the pressure off the front of my boots and was comfortable.   About halfway down, the weather turned really bad, driving winds and rain/snow/sleet.  We put on our Gore-tex shells and hiked on.  At about 2:30PM we arrived back at Paradise Lodge, wet and miserable but safe and sound.  We had all made the climb up and back and now it was time to kick back and relax.

Back at Paradise Lodge

Back at the Lodge

After the 45-minute drive back to base we quickly changed clothes and met up for a few drinks and a presentation ceremony.  Lots of pictures were taken, certificates handed out and food and drink was had by all.

The day after the climb I looked back on the event and swore I would never do it again.  It was by far the hardest physical thing I have ever done.

Now that a few days have passed I am not so sure about the “never do it again”.  With proper training and the knowledge of what to take and what to expect, I can see myself going again.  The good parts definitely outweigh the bad and I believe I can totally remove the bad parts by being better prepared physically and mentally.  All in all it was an amazing event, one that I will always remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

Roger Deane
July 20^th, 2011

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.

Sean Cumbie - Global Supply Chain Manager

Twenty-five years ago, Frater Sean Cumbie (ME ‘84) was topping off his eight-year stint at Georgia Tech with a Masters in Management.  After spending six years participating in the co-op program (10 quarters), as a Teke, as a member of ANAK and as Student Body President (’83), he was truly ready for some real world experience. The embarkation of his work life journey began with landing a job with a management consulting group in Atlanta, a terrific assignment and a great start for a yellow jacket fresh from the hive.

This eventually lead to several permanent positions within companies where he found many opportunities to build his career, gaining tremendous experience in the areas of inventory, procurement, transportation, distribution, e-commerce, logistics and retail supply chain. Each opportunity built upon the previous one and his expertise level in each field increased. His tempering experiences at Georgia Tech definitely helped mold him into the leadership positions made available to him within the business world.

Criss-crossing the country, Sean has worked for a variety of companies over the last quarter of a century with diverse supply chain needs such as Northern Automotive (aftermarket auto parts), West Marine (boating supplies), Cumbie & Associates (consulting), Fatbrain.com (internet book sales), Novellus Systems (semi-conductor industry), Iron Age (safety equipment) and MedImmune (Aztra-Zeneca’s biotech division specializing in vaccinations).  His most recent job has brought him to the international stage with a German-based company, Qiagen.

Qiagen is the leading provider of sample and assay technologies. Sample technologies are used to isolate DNA, RNA, and proteins from any biological sample. Assay technologies are then used to make specific target biomolecules, such as the DNA of a specific virus, visible for subsequent analysis.

Sean is presently Vice President of Global Supply Chain, assisting Qiagen with the development and management of over 2000 consumable products and automated solutions.  With over 35 locations worldwide, Sean has truly gone global, managing the end to end supply chain of Qiagen’s testing products for a variety of applications within molecular diagnostic laboratories, forensics, food testing, and the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Sean brings to the table his broad and carefully collected expertise and sees an exciting future with planned expansions into additional countries within the Asian Pacific and South American regions. He is truly enjoying the ride and expects to develop supplementary skills along the way.

When he is in the States, Sean can be found at home where he now resides in Northern Virginia just outside of DC with his wife Susie and two teenagers who lovingly call him the vice president of “stuff.” They can personally attest to the fact that Sean is not only a great friend, husband and father, but he is also “One Hell of an Engineer.”

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.

• February 3-4, 2012: Greg and Cay Woodson RLC - Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport   
• February 10-11, 2012: Philadelphia RLC – Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing      
• February 17-18, 2012: Wichita RLC – Hyatt Regency Wichita
• February 24-25, 2012: Elmer and Donna Smith RLC – Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
  
• March 2-3, 2012: Indianapolis RLC - Hyatt Regency Indianapolis     

Throughout the weekend-long Regional Leadership Conference, collegiates and alumni participate in educational sessions that better prepare them for success while in college and later in the business world, network and build relationships with other Fraters, and strengthen their understanding of the ideals and principles of TKE.

Consider checking one out if you live close by. It’s a good way to see what kind of educational programming Greater TKE provides and to meet some of the key staff and volunteers that “keep the wheels on the wagon”.

Doing something interesting?  Submit the information and a photograph to http://betapitke.org/submit-news.
Subscribe to this feed:  http://betapitke.org/feed. Follow the collegiates on twitter:  @BetaPiTKE.